Local News
Cross Keys Apartment Shooting (WTVM News)
Security at the Cross Keys Apartments in Columbus is under intense scrutiny following the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Markeese Hodge, shot Wednesday August 6, 2014 in what appears to be the third Cross Keys shooting in one week.
According to WTVM News, Mr. Hodge and another victim were shot multiple times at the Cross Keys Apartments around 4:30am Wednesday. Both were rushed to the hospital, where Mr. Hodge later succumbed to injuries, including a gunshot wound to the chest. The second victim suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder. His condition has not been released.
Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the Wednesday morning shooting. Police told media the double shooting falls only a week after another shooting was reported at the Cross Keys Apartments, raising serious concerns over security measures at the complex.
Our Legal Take
Given the recent history of violence at the Cross Keys Apartments, The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether a fatal apartment complex security lapse may have contributed to this tragedy.
What security precautions were taken following the previous shooting? Were security or police patrols added?
Parking lot lighting appears to be dim in media footage following the shooting. Was the parking lot properly lit to protect residents and guests? What other parking lot security measures, such as surveillance cameras and emergency call boxes, were in place to deter violence and protect residents?
Was the gunman a resident of Cross Keys and, if not, how did he gain access to the property? What access-controls, such as a gate, ID card system or security guard, were in place at the time of the shooting? How did these security measures fail?
Georgia apartment owners and managers are required by law to protect residents and guests legally on premises from foreseeable harm. Should an apartment owner have knowledge of previous violence on or near property, it is their duty to take extraordinary security measures to protect residents and deter future crime. Given the recent pattern of violence at Cross Keys Apartments, it is possible the owner and management failed in their duty to take such security precautions.
Should the owner and manager be found at fault for failing to protect Mr. Hodge, his family may elect to hold the apartment complex civilly liable for his wrongful death. The injured victim in this shooting may also elect to file claims for his injuries. Total claims may be in the millions of dollars and will, most importantly, demand this apartment complex finally make resident safety their first priority.
Photographs and a thorough inspection of the property will need to be performed on behalf of the victims immediately, before any evidence may be damaged, destroyed or repaired. The Hodge family and the injured victim should retain an experienced premises liability firm without delay to ensure all evidence is properly preserved and their best interests are protected.
The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly for victims of apartment violence and property owner negligence and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 706.494.2800. Consultations are free and confidential.
